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Microaggressions Learning Series

This series focuses on the sensitive but important subject of microaggressions with the goal of promoting awareness, comprehension, and meaningful conversation about the subtle, frequently inadvertent forms of prejudice that might arise in our day-to-day encounters.

Microaggressions in the Classroom

In this video, students describe what microaggressions they've experienced in the classroom.

Review the Recognizing and Responding to Microaggression presentation along with the video by Renee Wells.

A tilted seesaw with two confused people on one side and a confident man with a briefcase on the other.

Why do Microaggressions Matter?

How many times have you wounded someone with your words and didn't even realize it? Do you ever remember saying something you wish you hadn't said because it was hurtful? Did you apologize or just let it go? We have all been guilty of these transgressions.

Read Microaggressions trilogy: Part 1. Why do Microaggressions Matter? by Ronald Berk.

A man seated at a desk, focused on his computer screen, in a professional setting with fingers pointed back at him.

How to Talk about Microaggressions

Listen to Microaggressions Are a Big Deal: How to Talk Them out and When to Walk Away by NPR.

Combating Microaggressions

To create a more inclusive campus environment, actionable steps are suggested, including racially responsive training, supporting co-curricular opportunities for students, assessing perceptions of racial inclusivity, striving for "dynamic diversity," empowering cross-functional teams, and evaluating the degree of inclusive excellence. It is crucial for campus leaders to address their own biases and work towards disrupting racism within institutions to achieve greater inclusivity and equity for all.

Read Am I Overreacting? Understanding and Combating Microaggressions by Jennifer Crandall and Gina A Garcia.

Target pointing at someone.

Racial Microaggressions

Listen to Racial Microaggressions & Political Correctness, where Derald Wing Sue and Miguel Gallardo discuss racial microaggressions, why they matter today, and dispute the opinion that talking about micro and macro aggressions stifles our capacity to have courageous conversations on race and racism.

A large finger pointing at a small person.

How to Respond to Microaggressions

Microaggressions are subtle forms of racism that communicate derogatory or negative racial messages or assumptions. They can be intentional or unintentional and are often well-meaning. Addressing microaggressions requires making the invisible visible, educating the perpetrator, and directly disarming the microaggression.

Read How to Respond to Microaggressions by Kristen Rogers.